When a prolonged stay was contemplated, even the moss was cut up and removed, as it was very liable when dry to catch fire.

A quantity of poles were then procured, proportionate in number and length to the size of the tent cloth and the number of persons the tent was intended to contain.

Two of the longest poles were tied together at the top and raised to an angle of about 45 degrees from the ground, so that the lower ends extended on either side as widely as the proposed diameter of the tent.

The other poles were then arranged on either side of the first two, so that they formed a complete circle round the bottom, and their points were tied together at the top.

The tent cloth was usually of thin moose leather, and in shape resembled the vane of a fan, so that the large outer curve enclosed the bottom of the poles, and the smaller one fitted round the apex of the poles at the top, leaving an open space which let out the smoke and let in air and light.